Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Discover the rugged beauty of Victoria on the 25km Mitchell River Walking Trail. This Grade 4 trail takes 1-2 days to complete and is a journey through serene rainforest gullies and breathtaking river scenery in Mitchell River National Park. Start at Angusvale campground, and end at the awe-inspiring Den of Nargun gorge. Remember to pack your camping gear, water filters, and keep an eye out for kangaroos at dawn! This hike is perfect for the adventurous bushwalker looking for a challenging and rewarding experience.

Length:

25km

Duration:

1-2 days

Grade:

Style:

One way

Max elevation: 237m

Min elevation: 70m

Total Ascent: 1776m

Start: Angusvale camping area

End: Den of Nargun picninc area

Mitchell River National Park

Victoria

Nearby town: Glenaladale

From state capital: 292km

Latitude: -37.59206345189911

Longitude: 147.3509287881867

Overview

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Important info

The Mitchell River trail has been closed for some time due to trees down and river bank slippage. The trail is overgrown, hard to find and potentially dangerous if the ground gives way. Suggest completing walk via the surrounding management tracks. It is a similar distance and can still experience the amphitheater and river crossing. Always carry emergency and navigation equipment.

Hike overview

From river to gorge top, the semi-remote Mitchell River Walking Trail follows the west bank of the river downstream from Angusvale through the Den of Nargun gorge, which is lined with remnants of temperate rainforest.

Often hiked as a one-way trail, you can start at one of two locations - the Angusvale campground or the Den of the Nargun. Angusvale is a wide open area with seemingly unlimited spots for you to pitch a tent for the night. It's quite close to the river and, if you get up early enough, kangaroos can be seen in their droves.

Whilst you can't legally camp at the Den of the Nargun, there is a picnic area and car park situated here and a campsite located nearby at a spot known as Woolshed Creek. It is quite close to the river, so if you are camping here, there is ample opportunity to filter your water here.

The trail itself is rugged in parts and has several uphill and downhill sections. Whilst 18-kilometres may not seem long, it can be quite deceiving given how low the trail goes into the gullies and how high it goes to the top of the gorge.

The Mitchell River National Park protects spectacular river scenery, serene rainforest gullies, rugged landscapes and significant occurrences of some of Victoria's more unusual vegetation communities. The park covers an area of 12,200 ha and is divided by the spectacular Mitchell River, one of 18 Heritage Rivers in Victoria. This easily accessible national park is a 45 minute drive from Bairnsdale. The western side can be reached via the Dargo Road, providing memorable opportunities for day visitors and the more adventurous recreationalist.

Overnight hike

This hike can also be completed as a return overnight hike.

Tips

Hiking experience and a good level of fitness required.
Tracks may be long, rough and very steep.
Directional signage may be limited.
Always carry emergency and navigation equipment.

Gallery

Walk map and GPX file
Mitchell River Walking Trail (25km)

Total distance: 25171 m
Max elevation: 237 m
Min elevation: 70 m
Total climbing: 1776 m
Total descent: -1724 m

Getting there

Getting to the trailhead: Mitchell River National Park.

Mitchell River National Park is 300 kilometres from Melbourne. From the Princes Highway (A1), turn off at Lindenow Road (C602) west of Bairnsdale. Turn left into Dargo Road (C601) then right into Wallers Road at the National Park sign.

Get there with Google Maps

Closest towns to this walk: Bairnsdale, Bruthen, Lindenow, Metung, Paynesville, Sale

About the region

Mitchell River National Park has impressive river scenery, serene rainforest gullies, rugged landscapes and some of Victoria's more unusual vegetation communities. From open forest to remote river gorges, the park is home to a vast array of indigenous flora and fauna, some at the furthermost extent of their range. The park is an exciting destination for outdoor enthusiasts and boasts unspoilt natural beauty and remoteness.

Similar walks nearby

Looking for more walks in or near Mitchell River National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.

Track grade

Grade 4 (Hard) - Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.

Explore safe

Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.

Packing checklists

What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.

Let someone know

Before heading out, take a moment to fill out your trip intentions form. It’s a quick way to share your hike details with family or friends. If something goes wrong, they can notify emergency services, ensuring a faster response and peace of mind. Stay safe and enjoy your adventure

Reviews
Mitchell River Walking Trail (25km)

8 Reviews on “Mitchell River Walking Trail (25km)”

Overall rating

Alan Kistemaker

As a party of 3 we hiked from the Den of Nargin carpark to Billy Goat Bend Campground via the Mitchel River walking track.
The track is extremely overgrown in many of its sections, to the point that it has become quite difficult to even spot the track anymore. A well seasoned hiker with the appropriate gear wouldn’t have too much trouble bashing their way through hundreds of metres of bracken furn and (some) blackberry bushes, but for someone with little to no experience this track is probably one to miss.

The campground at billy goat bend was lovely and well maintained. Drop toilets had toilet paper dispensers and an attached water tank.

Our party’s original plan was to hike back to the den of nargin carpark along the walking track but due to how potentially dangerous the walking track has become we decided to walk back along the road instead.

So if the forecast is sunny and you’re well prepared for a good ole bush bash I’d say go for it. However, without proper experience and equipment, and certainly if there is any chance of rain, this walk is going to be probably too challenging for anyone but the most ambitious hikers.

3/5 I’d do it again if I had a machete

17/03/2024, 17:28

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1. Darren Edwards Trail Author
  
  Hi Alan, thank you for the trail update. I do believe the river was impacted considerably during the recent floods. Sorry to hear it was such hard going. Parks Vic website mentions the Angusvale campground is currently closed but doesn’t say much about the rest of the track.
  
  17/03/2024, 18:10
  
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John

If you are planning on doing this walk, don’t be fooled by the map on the Parks Victoria map. There is no Woolshed Creek Camping Area. It is nothing but hard rock and unsuitable for camping.

My group and I did manage to find a grassy spot near the Den of the Nargun picnic area that was far more appropriate.

Just a little heads up for anyone who is planning on doing this trek.

24/03/2022, 05:22

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1. Allister Wade
  
  The Parks map indicates the track exists below Den of Nargun and the Wier but from the southern entrance to the park the path is basically non existent very quickly. There is some remains of a track and orange taped trees but soon peters out.
  
  24/03/2022, 05:22
  
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2. Daniel Jarman
  
  There are, but they are smaller and don’t have toilets. Basically just a flat spot and a campfire. Billy Goat Bend however is quite a nice camp
  
  24/03/2022, 05:22
  
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3. Laura Bramley
  
  There is no phone reception at Angusvale camp ground but there is minimal at Billy Goat Bend Campsite.
  
  24/03/2022, 05:22
  
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Daniel Jarman

Hi, just wondering if there is any water available at Billy Goat Bend campsite?

24/03/2022, 05:22

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Maree van Raay

Hey Daniel, do you know if there are any campsites between Angusvale and Billy Goat Bend? My Rooftops map says there is but I can’t find any info online. Thanks.

24/03/2022, 05:22

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Laura Bramley

How far in kilometres is the section of the walk between Billy Goat Bend campsite to the Den of Nargun carpark? Ive walked from Billy Goat Bend to Angusvale, is the terrain similar to Den of Nargun from Billy Goat?

24/03/2022, 05:22

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Suggest an edit

Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.

Acknowledgement of Country

Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

Last modified:

February 25, 2025

Hike at a Glance

Important info